HS Code for Tetrachloroethylene

Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or PCE, is classified under HS code 2903.23. This code is part of Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically falls under the heading 2903 for halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Within this heading, the sub-heading 2903.23 is reserved for unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. Tetrachloroethylene is a chlorocarbon with the chemical formula Cl2C=CCl2. It is a colorless liquid widely used for the dry cleaning of fabrics and for degreasing metal parts in industrial settings. The classification is strictly determined by its chemical structure: it is an acyclic hydrocarbon where all hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine, and it contains a carbon-carbon double bond, which makes it 'unsaturated.' For customs purposes, this code applies to the pure chemical or a chemically defined compound. If the product is a mixture or a prepared solvent containing other additives, the classification may shift to Chapter 38.

Products Included

• Pure Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)
• Dry cleaning grade perchloroethylene (chemically pure)
• Industrial grade tetrachloroethene for metal degreasing
• Unsaturated chlorinated acyclic hydrocarbon derivatives specifically identified as PCE

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2903.22, which is for Trichloroethylene. While chemically similar, they have different numbers of chlorine atoms and different industrial applications. Another frequent error is classifying tetrachloroethylene under HS code 3814.00, which covers 'Organic composite solvents and thinners.' If the product is 100% pure or contains only minor stabilizers, it must remain in Chapter 29. Only when it is blended with other organic solvents to create a proprietary cleaning mixture does it move to Chapter 38. It should also not be confused with saturated chlorinated derivatives like carbon tetrachloride (2903.14).

FAQ

What is the HS code for tetrachloroethylene?

The specific HS code for pure or chemically defined tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) is 2903.23.

Is perchloroethylene classified as a solvent in HS code 3814?

Only if it is a mixture. If it is a separate chemically defined compound, it must be classified under 2903.23 regardless of its intended use as a solvent.